Sunday, May 17th the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will have their annual second collection. SVdP members will be speaking at all Masses about our ministry. Mississippi is rated number 51 in poverty. Our poverty rate is 24% higher than the National average of 15%.
Since our fiscal year began October 1st, 2014 we have had request from clients of $69,517.00 in assistance. We have helped 739 individuals that found themselves in emergency situations.
Examples of clients that came to us include a single woman living alone with no resources. We gave her information that could help her find a job. We have helped provide clients with necessities such as medication, hearing aids, and dental work. One young mother of two had her lights turned off and we had them turned back on by that afternoon. A mother of six came in for help with her water bill. Her husband had been without work for two months because of medical problems. They had an infant son. We paid a portion of the water bill to keep the city from turning it off. Utility bills are going up, food prices have increased and we all know the cost of gasoline. Our local families are struggling, working two jobs and still can not make ends meet. There are many families in our local area that are only one paycheck away from poverty. It is our help that gives them a glimmer of hope.
Easter faith says that Jesus appears in the poor, the lame and the dying. We must see Jesus in those we help. We pray for and with our clients. We appreciate your support. Thank you.